Coconut Macaron Cookie Nests Recipe

Fluffy Coconut Macaron Cookie Nests Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Delicate coconut macaron cookie nests capture the whimsy of springtime desserts with their elegant charm.

Crisp meringue shells cradle a delightful surprise inside each delicate treat.

Sweet almond flour and powdered sugar create the perfect airy base for these delicate confections.

Pastel-colored decorations add a playful touch to these sophisticated little cookies.

Lightweight and precise techniques bring these delicate nests to life in your kitchen.

Skilled bakers can easily master this impressive yet surprisingly simple recipe.

You’ll fall in love with these beautiful, delicate cookies that look like they came straight from a professional bakery.

  • Create Adorable Easter Treats: These coconut macaron cookie nests transform a simple cookie into a delightful seasonal dessert perfect for spring celebrations.
  • Master Simple Baking Technique: With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, bakers of all skill levels can craft these charming chocolate-filled coconut cookies.
  • Customize with Colorful Additions: Decorate the chocolate-filled wells with mini eggs, sprinkles, or pastel candies to make these nests uniquely festive and fun for gatherings.
  • Impress Guests with Minimal Effort: Requiring less than 30 minutes of preparation, these elegant cookies look sophisticated while being surprisingly easy to prepare.
Baking Essentials:
  • Egg Whites: Fresh eggs work best for creating a light and airy meringue base.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps stabilize the meringue structure.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Shredded Coconut: Adds texture and signature coconut flavor to the macaron nests.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, classic flavor that complements the coconut.
Filling and Decoration:
  • Chocolate Chips: Melted chocolate creates a delicious center for the cookie nests.
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking during baking.

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Grab your baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Fire up the oven to a cozy 325°F (165°C) and get ready for some magical baking.

Step 2: Whip Egg Whites

Crack your egg whites into a clean mixing bowl. Whip them energetically until soft, billowy peaks start to form and look cloud-like.

Step 3: Transform Meringue

Keep whisking and slowly shower in sugar while beating. Continue until the mixture becomes super glossy and forms stiff, sturdy peaks that stand up proudly.

Step 4: Blend Coconut Magic

Grab your spatula and gently fold in:
  • Shredded coconut
  • Vanilla extract

Mix with a light touch to keep the fluffy meringue structure intact.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Nests

Scoop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.

Use the back of your spoon to create little wells in the center of each macaron, forming cute nest shapes.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 7: Create Chocolate Centers

Once the macarons have cooled completely, melt chocolate chips.

Carefully spoon the melted chocolate into the wells of each cookie nest, creating a delicious center.

  • Toast coconut beforehand for deeper, richer flavor and enhanced nutty undertones.
  • Use room temperature egg whites for more stable and voluminous meringue peaks.
  • Pipe cookie nests uniformly using a pastry bag for consistent shape and professional appearance.
  • Try different chocolate types like dark, milk, or white for varied taste experiences.
  • Store macaron nests in airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness up to 3 days.
  • Almond Joy Nests: Replace shredded coconut with sliced almonds, add chocolate chips inside the wells, and drizzle with melted chocolate for extra richness.
  • Gluten-Free Tropical Nests: Use almond flour instead of traditional coconut, and swap white sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor profile.
  • Vegan Coconut Clusters: Substitute egg whites with aquafaba, use coconut cream for binding, and replace chocolate with dairy-free dark chocolate chips.
  • Low-Sugar Berry Nests: Reduce sugar content, use stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and fill wells with fresh raspberries or strawberry preserves instead of chocolate.
  • Select a sweet Moscato or Sauternes to complement the coconut's tropical notes and chocolate's richness.
  • Serve with a strong espresso or dark roast coffee to balance the cookie's sweetness and provide a robust counterpoint.
  • Offer a chilled coconut water or light rum cocktail that echoes the cookie's core coconut ingredient.
  • Add a side of fresh passion fruit or mango sorbet to refresh the palate between bites and highlight the dessert's tropical essence.
  • Refrigerate: Store cooled cookie nests in an airtight container lined with parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep layers separated to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual macaron nests tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Room Temperature: Leave macarons in sealed container away from direct sunlight. Consume within 2-3 days for best texture and flavor.
  • Reheating: Warm gently in oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwave, which can make coconut macarons soggy and compromise delicate texture.

FAQs

  • How do I get the perfect meringue texture?

Whip egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar while beating. Continue until stiff, glossy peaks develop, which ensures a light and airy macaron texture.

  • Can I use other extracts instead of vanilla?

Yes, almond or coconut extract work wonderfully. They’ll add depth and complement the coconut flavor while maintaining the cookie’s delicate profile.

  • Why create wells in the cookie?

The wells help hold the melted chocolate and create a “nest” appearance. They also provide a decorative element and make the cookies look more intricate and appealing.

Print
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Coconut Macaron Cookie Nests Recipe

Coconut Macaron Cookie Nests Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Elegant French coconut macaron cookie nests showcase delicate almond meringue shells filled with creamy coconut centers. Rich layers of flavor and texture create a delightful dessert experience you’ll want to savor with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large egg whites
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (170 g) unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven to 325°F and arrange parchment paper on a baking sheet.
  2. Whip egg whites until they develop soft, billowy peaks.
  3. Incrementally incorporate sugar while continuing to beat, creating a glossy, stiff meringue with distinct peaks.
  4. Delicately integrate shredded coconut and vanilla extract using a gentle folding technique.
  5. Carefully deposit rounded spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet, forming slight indentations in the center of each macaron.
  6. Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for a delicate golden-brown coloration along the edges.
  7. Allow macarons to cool completely at room temperature.
  8. Melt chocolate chips using a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth and glossy.
  9. Carefully drizzle or spoon the melted chocolate into the center wells of each cooled coconut macaron nest.

Notes

  • Swap egg whites with aquafaba for a vegan version that maintains the same airy texture and structure.
  • Use powdered sugar instead of granulated for smoother, more delicate meringue with less graininess.
  • Toast coconut flakes beforehand to enhance the nutty, caramelized flavor profile and add deeper complexity to the cookies.
  • Experiment with different chocolate fillings like dark, milk, or white chocolate to create varied taste experiences and visual appeal.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 142
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 14 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 11 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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